How to Clean Indoor Outdoor Carpet

Adding a rug or carpeting to your home is an easy way to bring in a bit more coziness and texture for your indoor or outdoor living. Indoor/outdoor carpets act as filters, trapping dirt and dust when you walk on your carpet, you can kick that dust back into the air. Hence, it doesn’t take long for a carpet to get dirty. Foot traffic takes a toll over time—especially if you’re walking around in shoes. And since indoor/outdoor carpets are exposed to foot traffic and the elements, they can get filthy faster than the average carpet.

To keep your indoor/outdoor carpets in tip-top shape, you’ll need to clean them regularly. And unfortunately, you can’t just toss them in the washing machine. Cleaning indoor-outdoor carpet is a relatively simple task that can be easily done by homeowners. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clean your indoor-outdoor carpet effectively.

Tools and Materials Needed

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Remove loose debris

Start by removing any loose dirt, leaves, or debris from the indoor-outdoor carpet. You can use a broom or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment for this step.

2. Prepare the cleaning solution

• Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent or a carpet cleaner. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution ratios.
• If your carpet has stubborn stains or odors, you can add a splash of white vinegar to the cleaning solution. Vinegar helps to neutralize odors and can be effective for certain stains.

3. Test a small area

Before cleaning the entire carpet, test the cleaning solution on a small inconspicuous area to ensure it does not cause any discoloration or damage.

4. Scrub the carpet

• Dip a scrub brush or soft-bristled brush into the cleaning solution and start scrubbing the carpet. Work in small sections to ensure thorough cleaning.
• Use gentle, circular motions to lift dirt and stains from the fibers. Avoid scrubbing too aggressively, as it can damage the carpet.

5. Focus on stains and high-traffic areas

• For tough stains or high-traffic areas, apply a little extra cleaning solution and use more pressure to remove them.
• You may need to go over stubborn stains multiple times for the best results.

6. Rinse the carpet (optional)

• If your indoor-outdoor carpet is portable or removable, you can rinse it with a garden hose or use a spray bottle filled with clean water to rinse away the cleaning solution.
• If your carpet is fixed in place, you can skip this step and proceed to the next one.

7. Blot excess water (if necessary)

If you used a significant amount of water during cleaning, use a clean, lint-free cloth or towel to blot the carpet and remove excess moisture.

8. Let the carpet dry

Allow the carpet to air dry completely before using it again. Avoid walking on the damp carpet to prevent tracking dirt onto it.

9. Use a wet/dry vacuum (optional)

If your carpet is removable and you want to speed up the drying process, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to extract excess water from the fibers.